Mercedes Detail

52split

52split

New member
Detailed my MB this weekend to prepare it for the upcoming North Texas Winter. Started off with an Iron X Snow Soap foam with Optimum Power Clean in my CarPro Foam Canon as a "pre-wash." Then washed the car using the Iron X Snow Foam using the direct to chenille wash mitt technique. I like his method, makes quick work not having to use any buckets (just rinse mitt after each panel).


After the wash I decon'd using Iron X. The Iron X was allowed to dwell and then it was "rubbed in" using a sponge. After rinsing, the car was "clayed" using my Speedy Prep towel (fine grade).


The car was then dried and prepped for polishing. After several test spots only a mild polish was needed. For the paint an orange Buff and Shine pad and HD Polish left a fantastic result. The XPEL PFF areas were polished with Optimum Hyper Polish using a white Buff and Shine pad. After polishing the vehicle was wiped down with CarPro Eraser to prep the paint for a coating.


The wheels were removed, washed with Iron X Snow Soap, clayed, and polished with HD Polish (face and barrels). They were wiped down 2X with CarPro Eraser and coated. They were reinstalled and torqued to the proper 96 foot-pounds.


Optimum Gloss Coat was applied (two thick costs) and the car was pulled outside in the sun to assist with curing. I was impressed with Gloss Coat. Very simple to use and the initial gloss was nice. Much easier to apply than CQUARTZ UK. We'll see how it holds up compared to UK which is on my other vehicle.


Products used:


CarPro Iron X Snow Soap (great decon soap)

CarPro Iron X (Decon)

Speedy Prep Towel ("clay")

ONR at Clay Lube dilution

Optimum Power Clean (tires)

HD Polish

Buff and Shine pads (Orange/White)

Rupes 21

CarPro Deluxe (plastic trim/headlights)

CarPro PERL (tire dressing)

Optimum Gloss Coat (paint & wheels)


I didn't have time for before pics, and it was overcast for my afters, but here we go:







 
Can you speak to the characteristics of O-GC and your personal impressions?


 


I know the cost and I know real-world durability is still an unknown at this time.


 


But what about:


 


1. sheeting/beading chars?


2. the level of gloss/shine?


3. dirt repellency?


4. slickness?


5. any similarities to other coatings or is O-GC coating somewhat unique in its own right?
 
This was the first time using Gloss Coat. But I am very familiar with numerous Optimum products to include Opti-Seal. Gloss Coat goes in just like Opti-Seal, apply in two directions (up/down, side/side), then move on to the next panel. About halfway through the detail check your work for any high spots. If there are any, gently buff off with a high quality MF and continue with the application.


Very simple and much easier than CQUARTZ UK. Not hating on UK, love the gloss, darkening, and water sheeting. Top notch product, but can be "finicky" at times. Applied it to my other vehicle and love the look. Back to Gloss Coat, incredible slickness after application and awesome gloss. I'm hoping for good durability and that the product meets its claim of 2 years. If Gloss Coat continues to look as good as after application its a winner. If not, off it comes and back to UK.


So far so good, but then again it's only been a couple days. Will be washing it tomorrow due to a nasty rainstorm we had here in Dallas. Will wash with CarPro Reset and see how Gloss Coat holds up. Will keep this post updated over the next couple months for those that are interested.
 
I might be wrong but I would not think reset would be the right product. Reset is designed to be a stronger than normal was to bring back the beading on beat up, contaminated coatings. I would suggest a regular mild maintenance wash.
 
Great looking MB! As a religious CQUK user, I look forward to seeing your continued thoughts on the new optimum coating!
 
MshawnBauer said:
Great looking MB! As a religious CQUK user, I look forward to seeing your continued thoughts on the new optimum coating!
Click to expand...

Will do. I washed my other vehicle that is coated with UK, and it came out great as well. They are running neck and neck with each other. Both cars were coated within a week of each other and both are treated the same (garaged in the evenings, outside during business hours).
 
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